Margaret Ida Johnson

Margaret Johnson

Margaret Ida Blair Johnson was born in Sharon SC, to John Ross and Clyde Cain Blair, on November 17, 1915. Born prematurely, Margaret Ida showed her characteristic spunk at birth. She survived those early days and proceeded to live a full and happy 97 years! On Thursday, March 21, 2013, she departed her earthly home for a joyous reunion in Heaven. Among those waiting to welcome her to Heaven were her husband, Harold Clarke Johnson, her parents, siblings, Betty May Blair, John Ross Blair, Jr., and Mary Blair Allison.
Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of Winthrop College (University), where she graduated as the salutatorian of her class. Margaret Ida began what became a long and rewarding teaching career, first in Gastonia, NC, and soon after, in York School District One. Margaret Ida and her sister, Betty Blair, taught fourth grade in classrooms that were on the same hall and situated side by side. Throughout their nearly 50 years of teaching, each touched and impacted the lives of thousands of school children in York. At the age of 59, Margaret Ida earned a graduate degree in Library Science from Winthrop University, and spent the remainder of her teaching years as librarian at York Elementary School. Margaret Ida was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was a founding member of the Tea and Topics Book Club in York.
Margaret Ida married Harold Clarke Johnson, former Supt. Of Schools in York School District One, in June 1951. Margaret Ida and Harold enjoyed 42 years together, until his death in June of 1993. She is survived by their children, Betty Cain Simril (Jimmy) of Columbia, and Harold Clarke Johnson, Jr. (Ann) of York.
The loves of her life were her cherished grandchildren, James Ross Simril (Emily) of Greenville, SC, William Matthew Simril of Conway, SC, and Margaret Perry Simril of Columbia; step-granddaughter Anna Godshall of Charlotte, NC; and three precious great-grandchildren, Margaret Cain, Ella Katherine, and William Johnson Simril of Greenville, SC. Margaret Ida is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Margaret Ida was an enthusiastic fan of Atlanta Braves baseball and University of North Carolina basketball. All who knew her well remembered to never interrupt when she was watching her Braves or her Tarheels! Using her own unique style, she kept stats of each and every game. She had no use for official scorecards, probably because there was no place for her to scribble, “hot-diggity” in the margins!
Margaret Ida was a member of First Presbyterian Church in York, SC. Having been raised in a devout Christian family, her strong faith in God supported her in joy and in sorrow. She was the epitome of southern grace, always impeccably dressed and exuding charm. Her spirit was gentle, compassionate, and selfless. She reveled in her keen mind and sharp wit. She gave tirelessly of herself and was not one to find fault in others. Rather, she lifted the spirit of the downtrodden and developed the good in each. The lives of those she touched are rich with fond memories. We are forever grateful for the love and devotion that she poured into our souls. As she leaves us now, we find comfort and solace knowing that our Heavenly Father has prepared her new home. We find ourselves reflecting on the time we shared together and simply realize that all of us are the most fortunate for that. To say thank you is inadequate; to say we love you, most appropriate; to say we will see you again in Heaven; a joy! God bless you and your legacy, Margaret Ida, faithful sister, daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and child of God!
Funeral Services for Margaret Ida Blair Johnson will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 2nd, Sharon ARP Church, 3915 York St., Sharon, SC 29042. Reverend Gil Martin will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
The family asks that memorials be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in memory of Margaret Ida’s great nephew, Will Hornbuckle. Memorials may be made online or mailed to 107 West Park Blvd., Suite 150, Columbia, SC 29210.
To Brittany, and to all of the caregivers who gave “Mrs. Margaret Ida” their love and compassion through the years, she wants you to know that she “loves you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!”
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home of York is assisting the family.